[Paul_Guraedy]

I have not had time to get on the computer in the last few weeks. Since Diana broke her foot (September) and has been confined to a wheelchair, I have been doing the household chores as well as trying to get the ranch ready for winter. We saw the Doc again on Friday and Diana got permission to start doing some walking on the mending foot. This will allow me more time for the forum as well as more carving time.

Anyway, I had finished a pyrographic owl a couple of months ago and Susan had mentioned that it could probably use some form of border. I thought about it for a while, agreed with her; but, did not want to return to this piece for more work…..rather move on to something else. I put it back in a closet and forgot about it.

But, the best laid plans of mice and men…..etc.; and the owl is needed as a Christmas gift. Now what? Diana came up with an excellent answer….from my viewpoint. So, I went back to my leatherworking supplies (unused for about 15 years) and found a couple of spools of lace. Diana and I used this to create a border making the piece look kind of like a drumhead.

It’s in the mail, and I can now move on…..for sure

[Thor]

Hi Paul,
Glad that Diane is on the mend, especially for the coming season, and the drum head look really worked well on your owl.
I think you have the hang of the pyro thing. That is a fine piece. Lucky person receiving it as a gift.
Thor

[Merle Rice]

Hi Paul, You have got your border and a finished piece. Did you drill holes around the edge and thread lacing around it? I couldn't tell by the picture. You certainly have the touch. Great piece

[Mottles]

Very nice Paul.
Kathy

[Paul_Guraedy]

Merle, when Diana mentioned using leather lacing to make a drumhead look I thought, "that's a wonderful idea! I can run down to the shop, use the drill press and have this thing ready to go in a half hour or so."

Well, I did run down to the shop, found the size drill bit I wanted, got ready to drill the holes..........."uh oh! This thing ain't round!" Spacing those holes became an exercise in frustration. Finally, got them marked and drilled. Heck, then the lacing took a half hour.

So much for the easy way out.....

[chpster90bu]

Hi, Paul.....that's gorgeous! I hadn't seen the owl before and you did a wonderful job on it....the lacing was a neat touch and a great idea. Nice piece! Bonnie

[gene messer]

Paul .. thats a great looking owl and i love the leather trim ..

Thats a great looking keeper ..

Gene

[Gergie]

Nice burn there Buddy,

I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy,

Wish your wife the best on her recovery.

[Banjo]

Beautiful owl and the leather trim is the perfect accent for it! That was a great idea using the leather for that, but I can understand where spacing those holes was a headache. You certainly did a good job!

[squbrigg]

Great burning Paul. Good to see you posting again. Glad to hear Diana's foot is mending, and that she'll be able to walk a bit. She must be getting weary of that wheelchair by now.

Bob